It’s that time of year (for us who don’t dedicate our entire lives to this stuff) to start thinking about what player your NFL team will take in this year’s draft! The 2026 NFL draft class is loaded with exciting, unique and raw talent, but which of these players truly stick out from the rest? Which players should teams avoid? Here is a projection of the top 10 picks in this year’s class.
1. Las Vegas Raiders: Fernando Mendoza, QB, Indiana
No need to get cute here; this has been unofficially the pick ever since the clock struck zero at the end of the national championship game between Indiana and Miami – when Mendoza, the Heisman Trophy winner, led the Hoosiers to their first-ever title.
The Raiders have struggled with quarterback stability since Derek Carr, and they haven’t won a playoff game in 23 seasons. It’s time for the autumn wind to obtain its new captain of the ship, and Mendoza, being the best in this year’s class – at the most valuable position – may just be that.
2. New York Jets: David Bailey, EDGE, Texas Tech
Since the offseason began, the general belief was that the Jets were going to take an edge rusher at pick No. 2. The only question was who, between David Bailey and Ohio State’s Arvell Reese, they would take.
The answer for me is Bailey, as he’s the most NFL-ready edge rusher in this class. Preparedness wouldn’t matter as much if Jets head coach Aaron Glenn weren’t already on the hot seat. For the sake of Glenn’s job security and the mental state of Jets fans nationwide, New York needs a player who can make an impact right away, and Bailey is their best option to do so.
3. Arizona Cardinals: Sonny Styles, LB, Ohio State
I believe that Arizona wants to trade back, but won’t. Pick No. 3 has historically never been a glamorous spot for teams looking to move up, and with them being in this rebuilding mode, giving away any assets to do so may not be a good decision.
An off-ball linebacker with his movement skills is an easy sell for a team looking to improve on that side of the ball. Styles has excellent technique in tackling and gets downhill with the best of them.
4. Tennessee Titans: Arvell Reese, EDGE, Ohio State
Head Coach Robert Saleh and General Manager Mike Borgonzi have taken major efforts this offseason to bolster Tennessee’s defense, and there’s no reason to believe their methodology will change now.
With Styles, who has connections to coach Saleh, off the board, Reese is the easy choice for Tennessee. He may have the highest potential of any defensive player in the draft. If he develops into the player many experts believe he could be, the Titans will have a defensive front that will be feared for seasons to come.
5. New York Giants: Caleb Downs, S, Ohio State
Every prospect under the sun has been linked to the Giants. However, with John Harbaugh now in the building, the pick better reflects the culture and aligns with Caleb Downs.
What has worked for Harbaugh in the past is always to pick the best player available, and Downs, similarly to Kyle Hamilton, fits this logic. He’s a brilliant, tough and dynamic player at safety.
6. Cleveland Browns: Spencer Fano, OT, Utah
Amazingly, the Browns are in a good spot at No. 6. They also hold pick No. 24, and are likely to come out of the first round with both an offensive tackle and a wide receiver. The only question is which position they value more and which they will pick first.
For me, the answer is always to prioritize the offensive line, and I have blind faith that Cleveland feels the same way. Shedeur Sanders is expected to start at quarterback for Cleveland next season, and he tends to hold onto the ball for too long and take sacks. Obviously, the first goal for the Browns should be to improve Sanders’ processing so he doesn’t take as many sacks, but it’s not like Cleveland’s offensive line helped him out much last season.
Picking Fano is safe, smart and addresses a key need immediately, which is why I wouldn’t count on the Browns taking him.
7. Washington Commanders: Carnell Tate, WR, Ohio State
“Go with the Ohio State receiver!” says all of recent NFL history. Tate is the most refined receiver in this draft, and if Washington wants to maximize the rest of Jayden Daniels rookie-contract years, picking a pro-ready weapon is the way to go.
8. New Orleans Saints: Jordan Tyson, WR, Arizona State
Saints quarterback Tyler Shough performed well above any expectations last year, with a receiving room that was subpar, even when Chris Olave was on the field. With Alvin Kamara slowly fading away and Shough, despite only being in his second year, being in the back half of his 20s, it makes sense for New Orleans to lean into building a stable receiving room.
Tate may be off the board, but I’m sure the Saints will be more than OK settling for Tyson. It might make more sense for them to take a defensive player at this spot, but I believe if Tyson does end up falling to No. 8, the Saints will jump on the opportunity to take him.
9. Kansas City Chiefs: Reuben Bain Jr., EDGE, Miami
The Chiefs have to get multiple starters out of this draft to continue their dynasty, and the ninth pick may have to be even more than starter-level. Despite his shortcomings, Bain has enough talent to be the spark Kansas City needs on their defensive line.
Historically, the Chiefs have believed they can develop corners and linebackers through late-round picks, and although a wide receiver would help them as well, getting help on the defensive side of the ball is the bigger priority. They’ll take the best remaining EDGE.
10. New York Giants (via: Cincinnati Bengals) Francis Mauigoa, OG, Miami
Following a blockbuster trade that sent Dexter Lawrence, a top defensive tackle in the NFL, to Cincinnati, the Giants find themselves with another top-10 pick. New York could use help at a few places on offense, mainly at receiver and the interior offensive line. Tate and Tyson are off the board, and picking any other receiver in the top 10 would be a reach.
Mauigoa brings instant relief at guard and improves New York’s offense considerably. It also helps protect second-year quarterback Jaxson Dart, who is both fragile and developing.
Harbaugh is willing to play the long game in New York, and having players like Mauigoa helps build the foundation for a team that is hoping to contend in the near future.
